Booking Flights and Rooms Online in Clear English.

In this lesson you sit down with your laptop or phone to plan a real trip. You practise searching for flights and rooms on simple websites, scanning for key information such as dates, times, prices, locations and cancellation rules. You learn practical vocabulary for room types, facilities and ticket options so you can compare choices and decide what is best for you. You then move to short booking forms, where you fill in names, contact details and special requests without making common mistakes. Finally, you write and read short emails or messages to hotels or hosts to ask about availability, confirm a booking or request a small change. Step by step, you learn clear, polite phrases that work in forms, emails and online chats, so you can complete basic bookings on your own and feel in control before you travel.

1. Planning your trip and scanning flight results.

Let us start this lesson exactly where many real trips begin, at your laptop or phone. Imagine it is Thursday evening. You want to book a weekend trip from London to Rome next month. You open a flight website and suddenly you see a long list of flights, prices, times and buttons. It can feel a bit much. In this block we will slow down and make that screen simple. You will see three example flight options on the screen. I will help you focus on the most important information only. You do not need to read every word. We will look mainly at dates, departure and arrival times, airports, and total price. You will also notice some useful words such as one way, return, direct and with one stop. After you read the options, you will choose the best flight for a weekend trip and explain your choice in a few clear sentences. Try to use some of the phrases from the chunk bank, such as, I am looking for a flight from London to Rome, and, I would like to travel on these dates. This will help you plan your real trips more confidently.

Scenario: weekend trip from London to Rome.

You are planning a short city break with a friend. You want to fly from London to Rome on Friday 12 May after work, and return on Sunday 14 May in the afternoon. You open a simple flight website and see these three results:

To choose a good flight quickly, it helps to scan for key details instead of reading every line slowly. For this situation, the most important details might be:

• Can you leave after work on Friday?
• Do you arrive in Rome too late at night?
• What time do you land back in London on Sunday?
• What is the total price for the return ticket?
• Is checked baggage included, or only a cabin bag?

Useful phrases for searching and choosing.

Here are some chunks from your lesson that work well on websites, in emails or in live chats:

• I am looking for a flight from London to Rome.
• I would like to travel on these dates: 12 to 14 May.
• What is the total price per person?
• Is baggage included in the price?
• I would prefer to arrive before midnight, if possible.

When you explain your choice, connect your reasons to the information in the table. For example:

> I would choose Option A because I can leave after work and still arrive before midnight. Also, the total price is lower than Option B and it is a direct flight.

Now you will read the three options again and decide which one is best for you in this situation.

Practice & Feedback

Read the three flight options in the table in the resource again. Imagine you work until 17:00 on Friday and you do not want to arrive in Rome very late at night. On Sunday you prefer to come back in the afternoon, not in the evening. Think about price as well, but it does not need to be the cheapest possible ticket.

Then write 3–5 sentences explaining:

• Which option (A, B or C) you would choose.
• Two or three reasons for your choice, using the information about times, baggage and price.

Try to use at least two of these chunks: I am looking for a flight from London to Rome, I would like to travel on these dates, What is the total price per person, I would prefer to arrive before midnight, if possible. Write in clear, simple English as if you are telling a friend which flight you booked and why.

2. Understanding ticket types and baggage rules.

Now that you can read basic flight search results, let us look more closely at ticket types. On many websites you do not see just one price. You see things like Saver, Standard, Flex or Business. The difference is not only comfort. It is also rules about baggage, changes and refunds. If you do not understand these words, you can easily choose the wrong ticket and then pay extra later. In this block we will focus on two simple ticket options for your London to Rome trip. You will hear a short description of a **Saver** ticket and a **Flex** ticket. While you listen, try to catch three key things: what baggage is included, if you can change the dates, and which ticket is cheaper. On the screen you will see useful vocabulary such as one checked bag, hand luggage, non refundable and free changes. After listening, you will write a few sentences saying which ticket you prefer and why. Try to connect your answer to your travel style. For example, do you usually take only a cabin bag, or do you often need to change plans? Using phrases like, I would prefer, and, Could I change the dates of my reservation, will make your English sound more polite and natural.

Two common ticket types.

When you search for a flight, you often see more than one price for the same plane. For example, the website might offer:

• Saver (or Basic / Light)
• Flex (or Standard / Plus)

The plane is the same, but the rules are different.

Here are two example tickets for the London–Rome weekend flight:

Useful words and chunks.

• cabin bag / hand luggage – small bag you take into the plane.
• checked bag – larger suitcase that goes in the hold.
• non refundable – you cannot get your money back.
• free date change – you can change the dates without extra cost.

Useful chunks from this lesson:

• What is the total price per night / per person?
• Is breakfast / baggage included in the price?
• Could I change the dates of my reservation?
• I would prefer a more flexible ticket, if possible.

In this block you will listen to a short explanation of two ticket types. While you listen, focus on three questions:

1. Which ticket includes a checked bag?
2. Which ticket is cheaper?
3. Which ticket is better for you and your style of travelling?

After that, you will write a short answer to show that you understood the difference and can make a decision in clear English.

Practice & Feedback

First, listen carefully to the short description of the two ticket types in the audio resource. You can listen two or three times if you like. Do not try to write while you listen the first time. Just focus on understanding the main points about baggage, changes and price.

Then write 4–6 sentences in your own words. Please:

• Answer these questions:
• Which ticket includes a checked bag?
• Which ticket is cheaper?
• Say which ticket you would choose for the London–Rome weekend and give two reasons.

Try to use some of the useful chunks, for example: Is baggage included in the price?, I would prefer a more flexible ticket, or Could I change the dates of my reservation. Imagine you are explaining your choice to a friend who will book the same trip.

3. Comparing hotel rooms and key facilities.

You now have a clear idea about flights. The next step in your online planning is to choose a place to stay. Hotel and room vocabulary can be confusing, especially when you are tired or in a hurry. Words like double room, twin room, ensuite bathroom, city view and free cancellation are very common on booking websites. In this block you will see three short hotel adverts for places in Rome. They all have different room types, facilities and prices. Your job is not to understand every single word. Your job is to **scan** for important information: the room type, what is included in the price, and the location. On the screen I will highlight some useful phrases from your chunk bank, such as, Do you have a room with a private bathroom, and, Is breakfast included in the price. These will help you ask good questions later, by email or in a live chat. After reading the adverts, you will decide which option you prefer for your weekend and explain your choice in a few sentences. Think about what is important for you: a quiet room, breakfast included, or maybe being close to the city centre. This is excellent practice for real booking decisions.

Three hotel options in Rome.

You are now looking for a room in Rome for two nights, from Friday 12 May to Sunday 14 May. Here are three simplified adverts from a booking website:

Hotel Aurora – Central Hotel

• Location: 5 minutes' walk from the main station
• Room: small double room, private bathroom
• Facilities: free Wi‑Fi, air conditioning, 24‑hour reception
• Breakfast: not included (available for £10 per person)
• Price: £95 per night, free cancellation up to 2 days before

Guesthouse Trastevere – Friendly B&B

• Location: lively area with many bars and restaurants
• Room: twin room with shared bathroom in the corridor
• Facilities: free Wi‑Fi, shared kitchen, small balcony
• Breakfast: simple breakfast included in the price
• Price: £80 per night, non refundable

Green View Apartments – Quiet Stay

• Location: residential area, 20 minutes by bus from centre
• Room: studio with kitchenette, private bathroom, garden view
• Facilities: free Wi‑Fi, kitchenette, washing machine
• Breakfast: not included
• Price: £110 per night, free cancellation up to 1 day before

Useful chunks for rooms and facilities.

From your chunk bank and new vocabulary, notice these useful phrases:

• Is breakfast included in the price?
• Do you have a room with a private bathroom?
• I would prefer a quiet room if possible.
• What is the total price per night?

When you compare options, it can help to write short notes:

• Aurora: central, small double, private bathroom, no breakfast, free cancellation, £95.
• Trastevere: lively area, twin, shared bathroom, breakfast included, cheap, no refund.
• Green View: quiet, studio with kitchen, private bathroom, far from centre, £110, free cancellation.

Think about your own preferences. Do you like lively nightlife or a quiet area? Do you need a kitchen? Is free cancellation important to you? In the activity you will choose one place and explain why it is the best option for your weekend in Rome.

Practice & Feedback

Read the three hotel adverts in the resource carefully. Imagine you are travelling with one friend for a relaxed weekend. You both like to sleep well and you do not want a very noisy street at night. You are happy to eat breakfast outside in cafés, but you would like a private bathroom.

Now write 4–6 sentences explaining:

• Which hotel or guesthouse you would choose.
• Two or three reasons for your choice, using information about location, room type, bathroom, breakfast, price or cancellation.

Try to use at least two of these chunks: Is breakfast included in the price, Do you have a room with a private bathroom, I would prefer a quiet room if possible, What is the total price per night. Write as if you are telling a friend which place you booked and why it is a good option for you.

4. Filling in online booking forms clearly.

You have now chosen your flight and your room. The next step is to complete the online booking forms. Many people feel nervous here, because they do not want to make a mistake with dates, names or contact details. But the good news is that most forms use very similar words and sections. In this block, we will look at a typical booking form and notice the usual information you must give: full name, email address, phone number, dates, number of guests and sometimes special requests. On the screen you will see a simple example form for a hotel booking in Rome. I will highlight some common problems, such as using the wrong date format or forgetting to write your country code for your mobile number. You will listen to me reading my own details for a booking, so you can hear natural phrases like, Please find my details below, and, I would prefer a quiet room if possible. Then you will write your own details as if you are completing the form for your real or imaginary trip. This is excellent practice for real websites, because you will already know the key words and how to organise your information clearly.

Typical hotel booking form.

Online booking forms usually ask for similar information. Here is a simple example for your Rome hotel:

Guest details

• First name: Anna
• Last name / Surname: Silva
• Email address: anna.silva@example.com
• Mobile phone (with country code): +44 7123 456789

Stay details

• Check in date: Friday 12 May 2023
• Check out date: Sunday 14 May 2023
• Number of guests: 2 adults
• Room type: double room with private bathroom

Special requests (optional)

• I would prefer a quiet room if possible.
• Could we have a late check in? Our flight arrives at 21:55.

Common tips.

1. Names: Use the same name as in your passport. If the form asks for Given name and Family name, write them in the correct boxes.
2. Dates: Pay attention to the format. In many booking sites you choose dates from a calendar, which helps avoid mistakes.
3. Contact details: Check your email twice. If there is a mistake, you may not receive your confirmation.
4. Special requests: Write short, polite sentences using chunks like:

• Please find my details below.
• I would prefer a quiet room if possible.
• Please let me know if this is possible.

In the activity you will hear an example of someone giving their details for a booking. Then you will write your own details in full sentences, as if you were sending them to a hotel by email or putting them into a booking form.

Practice & Feedback

First, listen to the short audio where I give my details for a hotel booking. Notice the order of the information: name, dates, number of guests, contact details and special requests. Also notice the polite phrases I use, such as Please find my details below and Please let me know if this is possible.

Then imagine you are really booking a hotel room for a trip. Write 6–8 short sentences giving your own details, as if you are filling in the form or writing them in a message to the hotel. Include:

• Your first name and surname.
• Check in and check out dates.
• Number of guests.
• Your email address or phone number.
• One simple special request, for example a quiet room or a late check in.

Use polite language and some chunks from the lesson. Do not worry if your dates are different from the Rome example. Use any real or imaginary trip you like.

5. Writing polite emails to ask about availability.

You can now read search results and complete basic forms. Often, however, you still need to send a short email or message to a hotel or host. Maybe you want to check availability, ask about a facility such as breakfast or parking, or confirm a detail about your booking. Clear, polite writing here can save you time and stress later. In this block, we will look at a simple model email from a traveller to a hotel in Rome. On the screen you will see the full email, with the subject line, greeting, body and closing. I will highlight useful phrases from your chunk bank, such as, I would like to confirm my booking for next weekend, and, Please find my details below. You will see how we use soft, polite language instead of very direct orders. After reading the model carefully, you will write your own short email to a different hotel. You will ask about availability for specific dates and ask one or two simple questions about facilities, for example breakfast, Wi‑Fi or a private bathroom. This is very realistic practice, because many real bookings start exactly like this.

Model email to a hotel.

Subject: Double room for 12–14 May

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am looking for a double room in your hotel from Friday 12 May to Sunday 14 May for two adults. Do you have a room available for these dates?

If possible, we would prefer a quiet room with a private bathroom. Is breakfast included in the price? Also, do you have free Wi‑Fi in the rooms?

Please find my details below:

Name: Anna Silva

Email: anna.silva@example.com

Thank you very much for your help. I look forward to hearing from you.

Best regards,

Anna Silva

Why this email works well.

• It starts with a clear subject line so the hotel immediately knows the dates.
• The writer explains what she wants in one main sentence: I am looking for a double room....
• She uses polite questions: Do you have a room available? Is breakfast included in the price?
• She gives basic details in a short, clear list.
• She finishes with a polite closing, using phrases like Thank you very much for your help and I look forward to hearing from you.

Useful chunks for your own emails.

• I would like to confirm my booking for next weekend.
• Do you have a room with a private bathroom?
• I would prefer a quiet room if possible.
• Please let me know if this is possible.
• Thank you for your reply.
• I look forward to staying with you.

In the activity, you will write a similar email but with your own dates and questions.

Practice & Feedback

Imagine you have found a small hotel that you like in Rome (or another city you prefer), but you are not sure if they have a room for your dates and you want to ask about one or two facilities.

Write a short email of 80–120 words to the hotel. Include:

• A simple subject line with the room type and dates.
• A polite greeting (for example, Dear Sir or Madam or Dear Reception).
• A first paragraph explaining what kind of room you are looking for and for which dates.
• One or two polite questions, for example about breakfast, Wi‑Fi, a private bathroom or parking.
• A short line with your name and email address.
• A polite closing sentence and sign‑off.

Use some of the chunks from the model email, such as I am looking for..., Is breakfast included in the price, Please let me know if this is possible, Thank you very much for your help.

6. Chatting with support to confirm or change a booking.

For the final step of this lesson, let us put everything together in a more dynamic situation. Many modern booking sites and hotels offer a live chat instead of email. You type short messages and the agent responds quickly. The language is usually a little more informal, but it should still be polite and clear. In this block, you will imagine that you have already booked your Rome hotel online. Now you need to **change the dates by one day** and add a **special request** for a quiet room with a private bathroom. On the screen you will see a short example chat between a guest and a hotel agent. Notice how the guest uses phrases from this lesson, such as, I would like to confirm my booking, Could I change the dates of my reservation, and I would prefer a quiet room if possible. After reading the example, you will write your own side of a short chat. You will be the guest, and the other person will be the hotel or website support agent. This is your mini performance task for the lesson, because you will need to give dates, mention your booking, make a polite request for a change, and confirm the final details. Try to keep your messages short, like real chat messages, but include all the key information.

Example support chat.

Guest: Hello, I would like to confirm my booking for next weekend. My name is Anna Silva.

Agent: Hello Anna, of course. I can see your booking for a double room from 12 to 14 May. How can I help you?

Guest: Thank you. Could I change the dates of my reservation to 13 to 15 May, please?

Agent: One moment, I will check availability.

Agent: Yes, we have a double room from 13 to 15 May. The total price is the same. Would you like me to change the booking now?

Guest: Yes, please. Also, I would prefer a quiet room if possible, not near the lift.

Agent: No problem, I will add this note to your booking.

Guest: Thank you very much for your help.

Agent: You are welcome. I look forward to welcoming you next weekend.

Noticing useful chat phrases.

Even in a short chat, the guest:

• Introduces the topic: I would like to confirm my booking...
• Gives key information: name and original dates.
• Makes a polite request: Could I change the dates of my reservation....
• Adds a special request: I would prefer a quiet room if possible.
• Uses a polite closing: Thank you very much for your help.

Chats are usually written in shorter lines than emails, but good structure and politeness are still important.

Useful chunks to reuse:

• I would like to confirm my booking for...
• Could I change the dates of my reservation to...
• Please let me know if this is possible.
• I would prefer a quiet room if possible.
• Thank you for your reply.

In the activity, you will write your own mini chat as the guest, asking to change your booking and add a special request.

Practice & Feedback

Imagine you already booked a room in a hotel for 10–12 June, but now you need to change the dates to 11–13 June. You also want to ask for a quiet room with a private bathroom. You open the hotel’s live chat and start a conversation.

Write your side of a short chat conversation as the guest. Write 4–7 separate chat messages, each on a new line. For example:

Guest: Hello, I would like to confirm my booking...

Guest: Thank you. Could I change the dates of my reservation to...

Include:

• A friendly greeting and explanation of why you are writing.
• Your name and the original dates.
• A polite request to change the dates.
• A special request about the room.
• A short thank you at the end.

Use chunks from this lesson such as I would like to confirm my booking, Could I change the dates of my reservation, I would prefer a quiet room if possible, Please let me know if this is possible. Do not write the agent’s answers; just write your own messages as the guest.